The Big Day

September 23rd, my daughter and I made the 40 minute drive to the hospital for a 6 a.m. check-in.  My dear friend and fitness partner came by to wish me well and sit with my daughter for a while.  I had done blood work and spoke to the anesthesiologist a few days before, so they had everything ready for me.  Into a gown, IV in the arm, a quick visit from the surgeon for marking her plan of attack on my flap, a ride back to the OR, and the next thing I knew the nurse was firmly coaxing me out of my stupor.  I'll be totally honest - I don't like anesthesia and it doesn't like me.  I usually don't have a serious problem with it, but today was going to be a little challenging.  Not only could I not get awake and stay awake to do anything, I could not urinate on my own and eventually had to be catheterized again to empty my bladder.  And I vomited.  Over and over, greenish-yellow bile.  Vile bile.  Just typing those words now four days later makes me slightly sick.  Vomiting after my gallbladder came out was tough.  Vomiting after my full abdominal hysterectomy was tough. Vomiting after tummy tuck - brutal.  I had an excruciating headache and backache to make things even more fun.  I couldn't move without throwing up.  Getting home was a blur, but I think it was late afternoon.  The rest of the night also a blur.  I slept on and off in a recliner, needing help every time I got up to use the bathroom in vain.  I didn't actually urinate until 5 the next morning.  It was the first sign of improvement.  My daughter, who gets physically sick hearing any bodily function described even in words, reached well beyond her own limits that night and held my head while I threw up, wiped my mouth, rubbed my back, soothed me as much as she could.  She handled my bloody drains, chastising me for trying to do it myself and without gloves.  She medicated me.  She helped me in and out of the chair throughout the night.  I know without a doubt that I would not have made it without her help.  I literally felt like I was at death's door.  I was filled with regret that I would let vanity push me into this horribl